Blog

The conventional belief that strikers are the match-winners while defenders secure league victories seems to be diminishing in significance with each passing football season.

Defensive players often find themselves underappreciated by fans, coaches, and managers alike. They are frequently the target of criticism when their teams suffer losses, but their contributions are rarely acknowledged when they keep clean sheets or even contribute with goals.

Their work often goes unnoticed because they handle the essential, fundamental aspects of the game quietly and efficiently. Qualities such as positional play, marking, and organizational skills often escape the notice of the untrained eye.

A prime example of this is Bright Osayi-Samuel, the Super Eagles and Fenerbahce defender. At 25 years old, he may not be a headline-grabber, but he consistently delivers on the field.

In addition to his defensive duties, Osayi-Samuel has displayed remarkable goal-scoring prowess this season. He recently scored his third league goal of the season, highlighting his versatility.

Osayi-Samuel’s exceptional form is a contributing factor to Fenerbahce’s perfect record in Europe, with the team currently leading the Super Lig with nine wins in as many games. He goes about his duties quietly, focusing on the yeoman’s work on the pitch rather than seeking the limelight.

Remarkably, the energetic defender has accounted for 12.5% of the 24 goals scored by Fenerbahce this season. Notably, among defenders in the Top 5 European leagues, Osayi-Samuel, alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, stands out as the top goal-scorer.

Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Osayi-Samuel has provided three assists for Fenerbahce. While excelling in front of goal, the 25-year-old continues to quietly fulfill his primary role, contributing to his team’s strong defensive record.

Fenerbahce, alongside Serie A giants Inter Milan, boasts one of the best defensive records in Europe, having conceded only five goals this season. Only OGC Nice in the French league has conceded fewer goals (4) than Fenerbahce.

Osayi-Samuel’s proficiency in goal-scoring can be attributed to his background as a winger, known for his pace and creativity. This transformation has allowed him to adopt a style of play reminiscent of Victor Moses during Antonio Conte’s English Premier League-winning squad in the 2016/17 season.

Born in Okija, Anambra State, Osayi-Samuel relocated to Spain at a young age before settling in England at the age of 10. As a product of the Blackpool academy, he made his debut in the first team as a teenager in 2015, primarily playing as a winger across various divisions in English football before joining Queen Park Rangers in 2017. While his dribbling and threat to opposition defenses were evident, his goal and assist statistics were not particularly outstanding.

During his time at Queen’s Park Rangers, Osayi-Samuel scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists in 115 appearances. His move to Fenerbahce in the second half of the 2020/21 season brought only one goal and one assist in 19 appearances.

Following a formation change under Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira in the summer of 2021, Osayi-Samuel transitioned to the right wing-back position, emphasizing a role in defense. This shift proved fruitful, and his clean tackling skills are evident, as he has been booked just once in the league this season, a rare feat for a defender. Impressively, he has never received a red card in his career.

In addition to his strong, quick, and athletic attributes, Osayi-Samuel’s coordination stands out. His ability to beat opponents in one-on-one duels without committing fouls is a testament to his skills. He remains committed to his primary duty, helping Fenerbahce achieve one of the best defensive records in Europe.

Although Osayi-Samuel’s talent has long interested football enthusiasts, it was not until less than a year ago that he made his first appearance for the Super Eagles, playing 90 minutes in a friendly against Portugal. Despite Nigeria’s 4-0 loss, Osayi-Samuel delivered a standout performance on the right flank.

As he continues to excel in his role as a full-back, Osayi-Samuel appears to be on the path to greater success. This silent but effective player is a key figure in Fenerbahce’s defense, contributing to the team’s strong start under manager İsmail Kartal.

If he maintains this form, Osayi-Samuel is undoubtedly destined for a bright future in the world of football.